Dominick’s brother. This could be a really great opportunity to find some answers about my mystery man.
“I need a table for three please,” I ask the hostess.
“Right this way.”
I plop myself into the cushy chair next to the window, resting my head in my hands for a moment, soaking in the peace of silence. Nick parades through my mind, like a beautiful plague. He’s infected me. Somewhere in the middle of all this I’ve learned to look at him in a different way. With great difficulty I manage to bury the need that begins to swell my heart, sad wishes that can never come true. I can’t allow myself to feel like this about him—it’s painful and tormenting. Fighting capture every second I’m near him is now slithering its way into my waking hours. Heather isn’t here to distract me and keep my feet on the ground. I need her here to remind me what life can be like for me. She is obtainable, she’s real. I want them both, but I can only have one. It’s a matter of what’s good for me and what I want most.
Mia happily plops into the seat next to me, snatching me from my somber reverie.
“Hey, Syd.”
“Uh—hey, where’s Cayden?”
“Parking. It’s a nightmare down here during lunch rush.” She eyes me cautiously, analyzing the unease discrediting my phony smile. “You okay, Syd? You look stressed.”
I struggle for a moment, realizing that I can’t handle this on my own for even a moment longer. I’m going crazy. I need help.
“Actually, stressed isn’t even the word. I need to talk to you. I need you to be open minded and discreet. Nobody can know—nobody. Can you do that?”
“Yes, of cour—”
Mia and I both stop and stare as the hostess leads him in our direction. He is spitting image of Dominick. Dark hair, aqua blue eyes, with a muscular build. He is much taller than Dominick, but even his smile has the same evil quirk to it as his brother. He lights up as he sees Mia. I like that.
“We will talk later,” I whisper.
I stand cordially, extending my hand in introduction.
“Hi, Cayden, I’m Sydney, the sister.”
“Nice to meet you finally, I’ve heard so much about you.”
“I’m scared to even ask.” I laugh.
“All good, I promise. So you’re a Greek fan too, huh? Your sister bragged about some of the wonderful food you cook, especially the Greek. We should all get together and have a cook off. I’m not half bad in the kitchen myself.”
“That sounds amazing, actually. I was thinking about throwing a get together soon for my friends and family. I just moved into an apartment in Atlantic Station with my buddy, Heather.”
“Just name the day and time and we’ll be there.” He looks lovingly at Mia, who squirms slightly in her seat.
Cayden is great. He’s lively and hilarious to cut up with. Personality wise you would never peg him and Dominick as brothers. Cayden is easy going and—normal. The entire lunch is filled with laughter. I even hate the thought that the hour is coming to an end. Cayden grabs for the bill before I can reach.
“My treat.” He hands his card to the waitress.
As he lowers his hand I notice a beautiful bracelet encircles his wrist. It’s silver and black with a shiny emblem of the infinity symbol. I find it fascinating.
“I love that bracelet. Where did you get it?”
A forlorn looks covers his face. He struggles to smile as he responds.
“My mother made it. She died last year, so it’s very important to me. She gave matching ones to my brother Dominick and me. They are the only two like it in the world.”
“Excuse me for a moment guys, I have to go to the ladies room,” Mia whispers.
I cash in on my opportunity to feel Cayden up for a little information on Dominick. She won’t be back for a few minutes. Anytime death comes into conversation she disappears, she can’t quite handle it yet. Poor Mia.
“So Cayden, I know—knew Dominick,” I proclaim.
“Really? Dominick didn’t really have any friends so that’s a
“I need a table for three please,” I ask the hostess.
“Right this way.”
I plop myself into the cushy chair next to the window, resting my head in my hands for a moment, soaking in the peace of silence. Nick parades through my mind, like a beautiful plague. He’s infected me. Somewhere in the middle of all this I’ve learned to look at him in a different way. With great difficulty I manage to bury the need that begins to swell my heart, sad wishes that can never come true. I can’t allow myself to feel like this about him—it’s painful and tormenting. Fighting capture every second I’m near him is now slithering its way into my waking hours. Heather isn’t here to distract me and keep my feet on the ground. I need her here to remind me what life can be like for me. She is obtainable, she’s real. I want them both, but I can only have one. It’s a matter of what’s good for me and what I want most.
Mia happily plops into the seat next to me, snatching me from my somber reverie.
“Hey, Syd.”
“Uh—hey, where’s Cayden?”
“Parking. It’s a nightmare down here during lunch rush.” She eyes me cautiously, analyzing the unease discrediting my phony smile. “You okay, Syd? You look stressed.”
I struggle for a moment, realizing that I can’t handle this on my own for even a moment longer. I’m going crazy. I need help.
“Actually, stressed isn’t even the word. I need to talk to you. I need you to be open minded and discreet. Nobody can know—nobody. Can you do that?”
“Yes, of cour—”
Mia and I both stop and stare as the hostess leads him in our direction. He is spitting image of Dominick. Dark hair, aqua blue eyes, with a muscular build. He is much taller than Dominick, but even his smile has the same evil quirk to it as his brother. He lights up as he sees Mia. I like that.
“We will talk later,” I whisper.
I stand cordially, extending my hand in introduction.
“Hi, Cayden, I’m Sydney, the sister.”
“Nice to meet you finally, I’ve heard so much about you.”
“I’m scared to even ask.” I laugh.
“All good, I promise. So you’re a Greek fan too, huh? Your sister bragged about some of the wonderful food you cook, especially the Greek. We should all get together and have a cook off. I’m not half bad in the kitchen myself.”
“That sounds amazing, actually. I was thinking about throwing a get together soon for my friends and family. I just moved into an apartment in Atlantic Station with my buddy, Heather.”
“Just name the day and time and we’ll be there.” He looks lovingly at Mia, who squirms slightly in her seat.
Cayden is great. He’s lively and hilarious to cut up with. Personality wise you would never peg him and Dominick as brothers. Cayden is easy going and—normal. The entire lunch is filled with laughter. I even hate the thought that the hour is coming to an end. Cayden grabs for the bill before I can reach.
“My treat.” He hands his card to the waitress.
As he lowers his hand I notice a beautiful bracelet encircles his wrist. It’s silver and black with a shiny emblem of the infinity symbol. I find it fascinating.
“I love that bracelet. Where did you get it?”
A forlorn looks covers his face. He struggles to smile as he responds.
“My mother made it. She died last year, so it’s very important to me. She gave matching ones to my brother Dominick and me. They are the only two like it in the world.”
“Excuse me for a moment guys, I have to go to the ladies room,” Mia whispers.
I cash in on my opportunity to feel Cayden up for a little information on Dominick. She won’t be back for a few minutes. Anytime death comes into conversation she disappears, she can’t quite handle it yet. Poor Mia.
“So Cayden, I know—knew Dominick,” I proclaim.
“Really? Dominick didn’t really have any friends so that’s a
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